Internet State

Russia has announced the closure of Goethe-Institut cultural centres in Moscow, Saint Petersburg, and Yekaterinburg in response to Germany's decision to shut a Russian cultural centre in Berlin following a drone incident at Leipzig/Halle airport last month. The drone, which was found near a Ukrainian cargo plane and identified as a potential "hybrid attack," has raised concerns about Russian efforts to destabilize Ukraine's allies. In light of these events, the EU is considering sanctions on 1,600 individuals and entities linked to Russia's military industry, aiming for implementation next month.

Russia has announced the closure of its Goethe-Institut cultural centers in response to Germany expelling a Russian cultural center, as stated by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. This decision follows Germany's recent closure of the Russian House cultural center in Berlin and the Russian consulate in Bonn, amid escalating tensions after an attempted drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport, which Germany attributed to Russia. In a separate incident, police in Munich are investigating an arson attack at a defense company's construction site, where multiple incendiary devices were used, leading to two arrests of Bulgarian citizens, while no major damage was reported.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced the closure of Germany's Goethe-Institut cultural centers in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Yekaterinburg. This decision follows Germany's response to Russia's alleged involvement in a drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport, which included shutting down a Russian cultural center in Berlin and a consulate in Bonn. Lavrov emphasized that Germany's actions signify the end of its cultural presence in Russia, with the first Goethe-Institut opening in Moscow in 1992.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul announced the termination of the contract for the Russian House in Berlin, responding to Russia's involvement in a drone attack attempt at the Leipzig/Halle Airport on August 4. The seven-story building, which occupies nearly 30,000 square meters and attracts 200,000 visitors annually, has been described as a cultural embassy by Russia, despite criticism for propagandistic activities. Since 2022, the agency managing the Russian House has been under EU sanctions, and Germany continues to cover its property taxes based on a bilateral agreement that has been renewed multiple times since its inception in 1993.